The mother of a congressional intern who was killed in Washington, D.C., is warning parents that similar violence could happen to their children. The incident occurred on June 30, 2025, when 21-year-old Eric Tarpinian-Jachym was shot and died shortly after. Authorities have launched a manhunt and are offering a reward for information. The mother is demanding justice and emphasizes the need for increased safety measures in the city, which has seen a rising number of homicides.
The tragedy has sparked a citywide outpouring of grief and anger among residents and officials, who are calling for immediate action to address the growing threat of violence in the nation’s capital. The Metropolitan Police Department and the FBI have joined forces to investigate the incident, with both agencies offering a $40,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest and conviction. Despite the lack of identified suspects, the police are continuing their search as part of a broader effort to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, a student at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, was an intern for Rep. Ron Estes, R-Kan., and was set to return to his studies at the university for his senior year. His mother, Tamara Jachym, described him as a “very kind, sweet, compassionate young man” who always greeted visitors to their office with a cheerful smile. She also recalled how Eric loved to walk around the city, especially to the Wharf, and enjoyed visiting local restaurants. His death has left the community in mourning, with Rep. Estes offering condolences and acknowledging the intern’s service to Kansas’ 4th District and the country. “We are grateful to Eric for his service to Kansas’ 4th District and the country,” Estes said in a statement, adding that the family is being supported during this difficult time.
Following the incident, local and federal authorities have intensified their efforts to find the individuals responsible, with the FBI stating that they are actively assisting the Metropolitan Police Department. Despite the presence of multiple witnesses and the availability of surveillance footage, the investigation remains ongoing as the police work to identify those who carried out the shooting. The mother of Eric, in an interview with Fox News Digital, emphasized the urgency of the case, stating, “This is a serious crime. A mile from the White House. This isn’t a joke. And then it happened again this weekend,” referring to the recent death of a 3-year-old during a Fourth of July celebration. She called on the mayor to take a stronger stance on crime in the city, which has seen 91 homicides in 2025, with more expected in the coming weeks.
As the search for suspects continues, the city is facing mounting pressure to address its rising crime rates and implement stricter safety measures. The mother’s plea for parents to be vigilant has resonated with many in Washington, D.C., who are concerned about the growing threat to their children. With no suspects in custody, the community continues to hope for a swift resolution to the case, which has become a symbol of the ongoing struggle for safety in the nation’s capital.